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Summarised by Centrist
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is “deeply supportive” of restricting social media access for under-16s, confirming his government will introduce legislation before next year’s election.
The move builds on National MP Catherine Wedd’s member’s bill earlier this year and follows Australia’s model, which from December will allow fines against platforms that fail to block accounts for users under 16.
Luxon told reporters that, just as society sets age limits in the physical world, “we should do it in the online space too to keep them safe.” Education Minister Erica Stanford is leading the policy work.
Australia’s approach, championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is being closely studied by Wellington.
Albanese said he expects broad compliance once the rules take effect, with enforcement backed by schools and the eSafety Commission.
